Rapid response tabs/computer keyboard key

ABSTRACT

Rapid Response “Tab(s)” (RRT) are ergonomically designed taking into account various human factor(s) related to high-impact tasks. Mediums used to accomplish this comprise (in-part) of several computer types and mobile devises alike, whereby input is attained electronically. As such, users “key in” (either by activation of a keyboard key within a a particular operating system and/or within a software application pull-down menu) desired RRT choice. 
     In either case, selection of a distinct RRT allows for delineation i.e. specific parameters that at a minimum include one or more different colors that includes: green, yellow, and red. 
     Primarily, each color is meant to elicit a stimuli “response” with understood boundaries corresponding with road signage“protocol” and/or other influencing factors based on cultural aspects. 
     With regards to embodiments in a tangible “physical form,” a RRT classification might best fit under “office supplies” and explicitly consisting of: flag wheel, different type of singular flag configurations, as well as a tab/flag. 
     Purposely, these stationery products are distinctively used in a manner that utilizes non-permanent adhesive as well as a clip. Expressly, each attaches to a given document page with either a transparent film layer (pressure sensitive glue) capable of being repositioned or a unique die-cut interference “tongue slide” mechanism that&#39;s ideal for both “tabbing” and grouping several pages together.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention pertains to a method and means that incorporates human factors with a design(s) used to facilitate a rapid response or communication(s) needed to streamline and coordinate task(s) more efficiently.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, professionals and non-professionals alike utilize tabs for all sorts of reasons. But unfortunately, the visual is not propitious to aesthetics or principles underlying modern day office supplies. The purpose of this novel invention is simple: demarcation that can be used for referencing information easily; thereby, increasing productivity.

With this in mind, presently there are no products (hardware) offering an electronic tab function. What's more, software tabs are limited to only ebook tablets. For this reason given MS Word, Excel spreadsheet, and electronic Jepp charts . . . a tab and/or flag “placement” would prove to have significant utility. More importantly, an existing “Tab” key found on computer hardware is not conducive and is inappropriate as it does not provide identification nor does it project a shape from a given page. In fact, what is original with today's “Tab” key is simply an ability to indent . . . i.e. moving a cursor“right” to a pre-determined space. Consequently, prior inventions can be viewed along the lines of unsuitable as well as having tremendous shortcomings.

An industry example—pilots flying under IFR rules (Instrument Flight) use Jepp approach and departure plates/charts. As such, Jepp offers 3 manual “tabs” A.) Up Front B.) Middle C.) Aft Section in the form of binder dividers. Moreover, these tabs are made of plastic and held in place by a three-ring metal binder clamp. Additionally, pilots are also said to use sticky notes that may/or may not be torn in order to highlight a particular page noteworthy of future reference. Prominently, Jepp charts are now said to offer an electronic format selling 50% with use on an iPad and 50% in traditional hard copy. Furthermore, Jepp has markedly commented that they predict this trend to follow suite for some years to come. Even so, commercial airline pilots in the U.S. are now being asked to fly with electronic Jepp charts. Their corresponding need for tabs and flags with this product could be essential in an effort to increase safety flight operations. Purposely for categorizing, highlighting, marking, and denoting important information. For this reason, the present invention was designed to promote visual awareness; thereby, enabling quick reference to important air traffic control frequencies, alternative airports, approach procedures, descent profiles, glide slopes, emergencies, airport taxi diagrams, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to Tabs used for documents and books as well as for electronic applications like pdf reader, ebooks, charts, reports, and data management systems. Distinctively, the invention provides the ability to respond quickly by using flags to highlight key information. Advantages of the invention will be apparent upon referencing the following detailed description and figured references.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention as well as practical application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The unique characteristic of the invention are set forth in the following figures. The invention itself; mode of use, and objectives will best be understood by referencing subsequent detailed description and accompanying illustrative drawings.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a flag wheel.

FIG. 2 is showing a single flag on a rotational wheel, and an isolated view of a rotational wheel; traffic signal indicators depicting the positions held for red-yellow-green, and 4 different highlighting flags.

FIG. 3 is a tab—flag illustrative embodiment depicting a contrast in color between flag and tab and/or combination; and a tab clipping mechanism utilizing a die cut and apertures;

FIG. 4 depicts Rapid Response Tab(s) used as office supply products.

FIG. 5 is a depiction illustrating an electronic user interface i.e. a software application utilizing a menu and multiple placement(s) of flag wheels, flags, highlighting flags and tab-flags;

FIG. 6 is a pictorial representation of an electronic chart system utilizing an iPad and iPhone mediums; coupled with an illustration of a what a selection menu might look like thereof;

FIG. 7 illustrates a new computer keyboard key and format incorporating a “Tabs-Flags” key, repositioning of existing tab key, displacement of the Tilde key, and typical redundant keys seen on a PC keyboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures and in particular FIG. 1, an illustration shows a flag wheel used as a tab; wherein said wheel can be re-positioned to utilize one of three colors i.e. green-yellow-red.

A pictorial representation of the flag wheel is seen in 11. “A” represents a position on a 360 degree radial, said vertical equivalent“0” degrees and 12 yellow, “B” represents a flag at 120 degrees and green, “C” at 240 degrees and 14 red. A rotational wheel 15 connects the plurality of flags to a central hub.

A view of the flag wheel back surface is shown in 16. Also illustrated is an isolated view of a rotational wheel 15.

Turning to FIG. 2 an apparatus is depicted containing a singular flag coupled with a wheel base 21.

Then, a “red light” tab is seen in 22, a “yellow light” depicted in 23, and a “green light” in 24, followed by four different shaped flags 25, 26, 27, and 28.

23 depicts a rotational wheel wherein 24 flag is combined to form a “top-of-a-page” tab while 25 represents the surface area for placing indicia with a permanent and/or wet erase marker. A truncated flag 26 is used for highlighting specifics where space is at a minimum for doing so. Additionally, 26, 27, and 28 are of a more conventional flag design.

The tab-flag 31 of the invention may thus be mounted at a desired “side-edge” location. The integral flag 32 maybe of a different hue combination. The depicted example shown in 33 is a “left” side edge tab-flag. With reference to 34, the unique die-cut when coupled with two apertures 35 provides a gripping tab functionality. A pressure sensitive adhesive back surface version of the tab-flag is seen in 36 without said flap clipping mechanism.

Yet another embodiment FIG. 4, depicts a single flag wheel 41, a multiple flag wheel 42, and a tab-flag 43. Individual flags 44, 45, as well as 46 illustrates highlighting flag(s) utilizing pressure sensitive adhesive providing flags to be re-positioned as necessary.

The embodiments shown in FIG. 5. provide a computer medium 50. Across the top, a menu bar is illustrated 51 wherein a particular application (word document 56) program code makes a legend and/or pop-up possible which provides a Rapid Response Tab positioning, color selection, size, and indicia placement thereon flag(s) 52, 53, 54, and 55.

In another embodiment, a single flag with wheel base is depicted on the top of a page 57, while various individual flags 58 highlight different paragraphs, and a tab-flag 59 is positioned to mark a page in specific page within a document that contains a plurality of pages.

In accordance with the invention, FIG. 6. depicts an electronic chart system used by most professional pilots. The electronic tablet is illustrated 60. Furthermore, oceanic captains also use similar charts.

In either case, a menu 61 and/or legend can be utilized with drag-and-drop positioning, color, etc.

A tab-flag 62 can be utilized for“marking” a particular page in a Jepp chart manual, one that may have control tower frequencies etc. Importantly, such functionality allows a rapid transition in an environment that warrants such. An integral flag 63 on said tab-flag 62 maybe customized with a user defined color combination creating a unique visual. Moreover, individual flags 64 and 65 may be used to highlight or pinpoint map specifics.

A smart phone is depicted 66, an example of yet another medium where Rapid Response Tabs can be utilized.

An embodiment FIG. 7, wherein a computer 70 keyboard 71 is modified from its QWERTY format.

The present invention provides a new key i.e. “Tabs-Flags” 72. As such, the existing “tab” key 73 is displaced as shown and its' naming convention and icon are modified. In turn, the Tilde key is repositioned to the left of a given computer keyboard space bar.

Yet another embodiment illustrates an alternative key shape to 72 incorporating a more ergonomic design 75. Furthermore, research suggests that the “Tilde” is rarely ever used in English speaking countries; and for this reason, elimination of said key could be considered or moved to an alternate position 77. Doing so, necessitates the elimination of a redundant key 76, 77, 78 (PC example—Shift, Alt, Parenthesis/Apple—Shift, Command, Option keys are shown). 

What is claimed:
 1. Rapid Response Tabs; wherein an apparatus communicates a message via usage of a traffic signal or flag with a designated color(s) associated with a desired action to be taken; and A methodology that maximizes stimuli learned while operating an automobile i.e. a street signal indicators . . . a riposte whereby a stop light color: red—requires immediate action, yellow—yield or pay “heed to”, and green—go; a base-line electronic format . . . a Rapid Response Tab designed to resemble a given traffic light design i.e. a rectangle with 3 embedded concentric circles; as an office supply stationery product, said apparatus back surface contain a sticky adhesive back surface allowing posting to a page; and A second embodiment wherein an office supply apparatus having a front and back surface ideally 1.25″ in width and 1.32″ in height, flag(s) are approximately 0.50″ long and 0.275″ wide in a single configuration; and Said device consisting of 3 flags stemming from a circular base and is positioned on a given page such that a single flag extends approximately ½″ above a given page surface; and An apparatus with flag(s) equally spaced relative to a rotational mid-section, position 0-120-240 radial degrees; and Rotational wheel that serves as a base with indented hoop recesses used for rotational purposes; and Rotational wheel with a sticky adhesive back surface allowing posting to a page and subsequent repositioning . . . while not lifting printed ink.
 2. Rapid Response Tab as defined in claim 1; wherein an apparatus with only a single flag (color) may or may not have a rotational wheel.
 3. Rapid Response Tab as defined in claim 1; wherein an apparatus is made from a plastic, hybrid, and/or plastic laminate coupled with card stock . . . collective thickness approximately point 0.10-0.50 (card stock thickness achieved by mounting like stock thickness in addition to combining a plastic substrate).
 4. Rapid Response Tab as defined in claim 1; wherein said apparatus is used in an electronic format, insertion at a top, bottom, left, or right position in a given document utilizing an applications/functionality; therein includes sizing etc. . . . software package(s) ideally includes a word program, pdf, eBook, and chart system(s).
 5. Rapid Response Tab as defined in claim 4; wherein a computer application allows a user an ability to choose color(s) including red-yellow-green coupled with an ability to insert a text on one of three given flags . . . in particular that which extents from the “0” degree (vertical) position.
 6. Rapid Response Tab-Flag; wherein an apparatus consist of 4 rounded lobes with different (outward) radius's as well as 1 inward radius between 2 lower lobes; and Incorporates an integral flag on the upper right lobe with or without same color contained on tab portion; and Size approximately 1.5′ in height and 1.5″ width, thickness approximately 1/32 to 3/32 pending plastic, plastic hybrid and/or card stock with plastic substrate; and Material fiber grain ideally manufactured in a lateral direction (long) rendering rigidity to facilitate a tension-like bend with spring effect, and attachment to page; and “U” cut flap that makes the most of a clipping mechanism and is combined with two apertures, inserting a page edge along one “side” by bending the flap downward (in this instance apparatus sits on top of a page) and inserting the page through the “U” flap die cut and/or; inversely, the tab can be placed behind a given page—bending the “U” flap upward; subsequently, inserting a given page until it reaches both apertures or a predetermined distance, yielding a gripping action as well as interference fit; and An alternative attachment means utilizes a pressure sensitive adhesive back surface; and Spatial design that specifically illustrates a definitiveness separation between inner and outermost surface edges in order to facilitate a given message disclosure if deemed necessary; A surface material conducive for use of a permanent and/or non-permanent marker.
 7. Rapid Response Tab-Flag as defined in claim 6; wherein said apparatus is used in an electronic format ideally positioned on document“right-side” while utilizing a given software application such as MS Word, pdf document, eBook, chart system etc.
 8. Rapid Response Tab-Flag as defined in claim 7; wherein computer input allows a user to designate a flag color choice including red-yellow-green and/or combination if tab is different, coupled with an ability to insert text, as well as WYSIWYG print capability i.e. representation of text on screen in a form exactly corresponding to its appearance on a printout.
 9. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard; wherein the “Tilde” accent˜key (primarily used to accent a vowel in Spanish and in phonetic transcription) is moved to a bottom left and/or right where other similar characters can be seen; consequently, moving it to an alternate keyboard position . . . accomplished by simple elimination of a redundant key i.e. one that is less-frequently used . . . thereby representing a format variation associated with QWERTY.
 10. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 9, wherein the existing “tab” key is moved to the Tilde position and renamed more precisely—given its' functionality . . . i.e. “cursor indent” which is used for moving a cursor several spaces (right) and/or moving a cursor to a next spreadsheet cell; thereby, modifying its' current symbol to depict an “arrow” that points in a rightward direction only eliminating an arrow pointing left.
 11. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 10, wherein a new key is positioned where the existing “tab” key inherently seen given it's functionality, a naming convention used for Rapid Response Tabs as simply Tabs/Flags.
 12. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 11, wherein various key shapes including rectangle and triangle assimilates an ergonomic design coupled with naming convention and small flag icon.
 13. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 12, wherein a Rapid Response Tab key on said keyboard has a “spring” and operation such that the mechanics of said key includes an integral extension variable on the key portion relative to the mat-function and switching element on a given keyboard frame which produces a current(s) upon activation.
 14. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 13, wherein a contact surface is engineered in said key for driving electrode(s) that are formed and capable of “a pressing force” thereby driving a voltage when applied to plates, panels, beams, or bars . . . included in these constituents is an ability to run electrical current between layer structures thereby creating an electrical field.
 15. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 14, wherein a computer, tablet, and/or mobile devise(s) operating system has been programmed such that new hardware and software application release(s) are compatible i.e. incorporating said new key (Tabs/Flags) on an electronic keyboard and when pressed an interface pop-up menu and/or legend is provided with a structured legend for Rapid Response Tab(s) values and user defined order definition.
 16. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 15, wherein a user has a capability of selecting more than one Rapid Response Tab(s), color, and indicia—given a plurality of selectable flag wheel, tab-flags, highlighting flag(s), as well as traffic light(s) tab designation(s), and capable of storing/saving user input for retrieval at a later time.
 17. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 16, wherein “touch sensitive” display technology incorporates said functionality of Tabs/Flags key.
 18. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 17, wherein a “touch pad” or an external mouse (left hand button given the choice) incorporates drag and drop capability of one or more Rapid Response Tab(s) to a given position within an electronic document, pdf format, eBook, computer tablet, chart application, or data management system.
 19. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 18, wherein a “right-hand” mouse button or laptop mouse pad provides yet another functional mechanism used in conjunction with Tabs/Flags input.
 20. An electronic key as part of a collective computer keyboard in claim 11, wherein an instructional element communicates a transition from an existing “Tab” key to a new keyboard key called “Tabs—Flags” . . . a user interface change defined in naming convention of the prior“Tab” key and icon, as well as displacement of the Tilde key to another position on said keyboard. 